🎬 Interactive video — script & questions
NARRATOR: Listen to a conversation between two colleagues, Anna and Marcus, during their lunch break.
SPEAKER 1: Hi Marcus! You look tired today. Have you finished the new project report yet?
SPEAKER 2: Not yet, actually. I've been working on it since Monday, but I haven't had time to finish it. My manager has already asked me about it twice this morning!
SPEAKER 1: Oh no. Have you spoken to her about the deadline?
SPEAKER 2: Yes, I have. I told her I need two more days. She's agreed to give me until Friday.
SPEAKER 1: That's good news. Has anyone offered to help you with it?
SPEAKER 2: Actually, yes. Sofia from the marketing team has offered to check the numbers for me. She's really good with data, and she's already found two mistakes in my figures!
SPEAKER 1: That's great. I've never worked with Sofia, but everyone says she's very reliable.
SPEAKER 2: She is. By the way, have you tried the new coffee machine in the kitchen? It's amazing.
SPEAKER 1: Yes, I have! I've had three cups already this week. I think it's better than the old one.
SPEAKER 2: Definitely. Anyway, I should get back to work. If I don't finish this section today, I won't have time tomorrow.
SPEAKER 1: Good luck! Let me know if you need any help.
SPEAKER 2: Thanks, Anna. I really appreciate it.
- How long has Marcus been working on the report?
- a) Since Monday
- b) Since Tuesday
- c) Since last week
- d) Since this morning
- What did Marcus's manager agree to do?
- a) Give him until Friday
- b) Cancel the project
- c) Ask Sofia to finish it
- d) Extend it until next week
- How has Sofia helped Marcus?
- a) She has found two mistakes in his figures
- b) She has written the report for him
- c) She has spoken to his manager
- d) She has fixed the coffee machine
- How many cups of coffee has Anna had this week?
- a) Three
- b) Two
- c) Four
- d) One
- What will happen if Marcus doesn't finish the section today?
- a) He won't have time tomorrow
- b) He will lose his job
- c) Sofia will finish it for him
- d) His manager will be angry
📖 Reading
Maria has worked as an office manager for six years, and she has noticed something interesting about small talk at work. "When I started this job, I didn't understand why people talked about the weather or their weekend before meetings," she says. "Now I've realised it's actually an important skill."
Small talk helps colleagues build trust before they discuss serious topics. A short chat about a football match or a new restaurant can make people feel more comfortable. In fact, several studies have shown that teams who talk informally before meetings often work together more effectively afterwards.
However, not everyone finds this easy. James, a software developer, has always preferred to talk about facts rather than feelings. "I've never been good at chit-chat," he admits. "But since I joined this company, I've learned a few simple tricks. For example, I ask people questions about their projects. This has helped me connect with people I didn't know very well before."
Experts agree that if you want to improve your workplace conversations, you should listen more than you speak. They also suggest asking open questions, such as "What did you think of the presentation?" instead of questions that only need a "yes" or "no" answer. If people practise this regularly, they will probably feel more confident in meetings and interviews.
So, next time you're waiting for a meeting to start, don't just check your phone. Start a short conversation instead. You might discover that your quietest colleague has just returned from an amazing trip, or that the new intern has already finished the report you were worried about.
✏️ Questions
- I ___ (finish) the quarterly report, so I can send it to you now.
- Our manager ___ (never / speak) to the client directly, so she doesn't know his preferences yet.
- ___ you ever ___ (give) a presentation in front of more than fifty people?
- We ___ (already / discuss) that topic in this morning's meeting, so let's move on to the next point.
- My colleague ___ (not / reply) to my email yet, so I'm not sure if he received it.
- This year, our team ___ (complete) three big projects, and we still have four months left.
- According to the passage, what have several studies shown about teams?
- a) Teams who talk informally before meetings often work together more effectively afterwards.
- b) Teams who avoid small talk finish meetings faster.
- c) Teams who discuss the weather make more mistakes.
- d) Teams who don't know each other well perform better.
- Why has James started asking people about their projects?
- a) To avoid talking about his own feelings
- b) To help him connect with people he didn't know very well
- c) To find out who is working too slowly
- d) To prepare a report for his manager
- What does the word 'chit-chat' most likely mean in the third paragraph?
- a) A formal business report
- b) Light, informal conversation
- c) A serious argument
- d) A written email
- What do experts suggest people should do to improve workplace conversations?
- a) Speak more than they listen
- b) Only ask questions with yes or no answers
- c) Ask open questions and listen more than they speak
- d) Avoid asking any questions in meetings
- According to the passage, what will probably happen if people practise these conversation habits regularly?
- a) They will feel more confident in meetings and interviews.
- b) They will stop attending meetings.
- c) They will need fewer skills at work.
- d) They will avoid speaking to new colleagues.
- What is the main idea of the passage as a whole?
- a) Small talk at work is a waste of time that should be avoided.
- b) Only naturally confident people can succeed at workplace conversation.
- c) Everyday conversation skills, like small talk, can help build better working relationships.
- d) Employees should only discuss work-related facts in the office.